Grewcock ban threatens World Cup hopes

Danny Grewcock's chances of being included in England's World Cup squad have been thrown into serious doubt after he was handed a six-week ban for punching.

The suspension runs from August 4 and rules Grewcock out of England's three World Cup warm-up Tests and the first two matches of the tournament - including the vital clash with South Africa on September 14.

Grewcock was banned after being found guilty of punching opposite number Thibault Privat in Bath's European Challenge Cup final defeat to Clermont Auvergne.

England head coach Brian Ashton is set to name his 40-man World Cup training squad on Friday and must now decide whether it is worth carrying a player who is banned for all the preparation matches and the most important fixture of the pool stage.

It seems highly unlikely. By the time England face Samoa in Nantes on September 22, Grewcock would not have played any rugby for four months.

Grewcock has the right to appeal the suspension. A decision on that must be made within 72 hours.